Springfield Utility Board issues boil water notice: Boil water before consuming

Miranda Cyr, Eugene Register-Guard
Updated ·2 min read
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Icicles cling to a utility pole in Springfield during the winter storm on Saturday.
Icicles cling to a utility pole in Springfield during the winter storm on Saturday.

This story was updated at 8:20 p.m. Wednesday

The Springfield Utility Board issued a boil water notice Wednesday for Springfield residents because potentially harmful bacteria could be in the water supply after the water system lost pressure in a power outage following the ice storm overnight.

"If these bacteria are present, they could make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems, " SUB's notice to customers said. "The affected area is limited, but if you have received this notice directly from your water provider, you are in the affected area."

A boil water notice for residents in the west and east portion of the water distribution system means they must boil tap water or use bottled water until the notice is lifted.

Residents in those regions should bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, allow the water to cool before using, and store the cooled water in a clean container with a cover.

Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits or vegetables, preparing food and baby formula, making ice and cleaning food contact surfaces.

The boundaries of the effected area are:

  • SUB West System: South of Highway 126 and west of 28th Street.

  • SUB East System: East of 28th Street.

  • SUB North System: North of Highway 126.

There is no definitive time frame for how long the notice will be in effect. The loss of power due to the ice storm damaged SUB’s electric system, which has affected parts of its water source distribution system. SUB will collect samples to test for harmful bacteria once water is restored to the water system.

As of 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, SUB estimated there were 12,000 customers without power, with more than 40 power poles that will need to be repaired and reset. SUB said that system damage in those areas will take about a week to repair.

SUB also advised residents to avoid downed power lines for their own safety.

Restaurants, schools impacted by boil water notice

Lane County Environmental Health has instructed restaurants within the East District boundary of the SUB boil water notice area to immediately cease all food preparation and service.

The East District boundary is east of 28th Street and south of Highway 126.

The order will last until 24 hours after the boil water advisory is lifted.

Some exceptions may apply. Restaurants within the affected area who have questions regarding this notice can call their Lane County health inspector.

In addition to restaurants, Springfield Public Schools declared an emergency in the district due to the effects of the ice storm. Among damages to facilities and power outages, the district cited the boil notice as one of the challenges the district is facing.

Reach Miranda Cyr reports at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Springfield Utility Board issues boil water notice